The need for this project is based on existing and future truck parking demand along the I-75 corridor and the inadequate existing truck parking infrastructure. The FDOT District One Truck Parking White Paper performed a truck parking gap analysis and identified the I-75 Lee County rest area site as a candidate for future truck parking. These findings are consistent with the Statewide Truck Parking Study, completed in March 2020, which identified a supply/capacity solution strategy to develop new truck parking capacity at existing rest areas. The Statewide Truck Parking Study also identified Lee County as an area of concern regarding unauthorized, over-utilized truck parking with a total excess truck parking demand of 1,421.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the need to update, reconfigure, demolish, or reconstruct rest area facilities in Lee County, Florida. Alternatives to be evaluated shall include. Improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities, expansion of truck parking, and the addition of freight supporting facilities on site. Furthermore, the study will develop additional site improvements, including access changes, to support emergency management service for the SWIFT SunGuide Center.